The Skylar Experiment : Dead Ending (second draft)

Unlikely Pairing (optional chapter)

*This is very comedic. Also, not sponsored by Ranger Rover. Wish it was lol. In here, they think Dad doesn't know about anything, and it's sort of an alternate scene, like a what if chapter. It lightens the mood XD*

Note: Heather's a clean-addict and she'd rather clean it herself the way she likes it. It's useful for later. 

'Tis a long chapter (3k words) I am dedicating to nightshell for encouraging me with this idea. I felt weird about exposing this and kept it to myself, but I figured we need a break from the drama and just enjoy the fun of shipping, so here's a pair you may not have thought about, but that makes sense. At least to me lmao. I wish I could have made it happen in the story, but it won't be possible, so it's here. 

RILEY FELT LIKE a child kicked out of an adult conversation as she sulked in the backseat. The Rover coasted along the road and smoothly ate away the snow-laden asphalt. She leaned her head back and sighed, trying to be heard but the boys didn't pay attention. Her figure, all dressed in neat clothes for the occasion, makeup and hair somewhat fixed, straggled along as the tires rolled over little bumps. As soon as the guys saw each other before departing, she faded like a ghost. 

"I have to say, kid, she's quite the beauty," her father, settled at the front, marvelled over the softened hum of the radio. 

Luc steered the wheel casually and grinned, pride radiating off his expression. His hand reached out to the dashboard until he gave it a good tap. "Ice has never bothered this stunning jewel. She's the most reliable thing I own. It's with a fuel-efficient, hybrid engine. The skeleton is made of recycled aluminum, actually, and the headlights are pixel-laser LEDs that gives more clarity than the usual vehicle." 

Riley wondered if her Dad, with his fascination over all things technology, would start drooling at those words. He didn't. His lids fluttered in wonder and he stroked his chin, sitting back in his chair. 

The seamless night has crashed around them, making the hushed wilderness seem like a hostile, cursed land where stories of lost children spawned from centuries ago. She listened to her father inquire about the all-terrain versatility of the car, the one that allowed Luc to cruise on the mud and gravel as he pleased, which was handy due his constant travelling around hills. They covered all the subjects ranging from air conditioning to sustainable materials, turning into total geeks. 

She followed as best as she could, stifling a giggle every now and then at their childish excitement. Strangely, even though it bothered her to see them so enamoured over each other, she was glad they got along well. If Dad had decided he didn't appreciate Luc, it would have made all the issues ten times more complicated. 

Heather had invited a few friends over just for a intimate gathering tonight, and she'd been curious to meet her Dad. Everyone present had been warned to act normal and not do anything suspicious. 

"Would you like a hot massage?" Luc offered, and his index began to hover over the touchscreen. "Your daughter likes the roll mode a lot when I give her a ride, but there's a pule mode, too." 

Dad nodded, deigning to grant Riley a look. "Really?" 

"Yeah, almost starts purring like a damn kitten when I press that button."

She perked up, and incredible heat poured across her face as it blushed. Gradually, her cheeks bloomed until they appeared rosy under the glow of the car interior, but then it became this flaming crimson shade. Luc huffed out a breath when he glanced into the rearview mirror, a smug curve tugging his lips at a corner.